Portside

The United States was involved in Afghanistan long before 9/11, fomenting Islamist revolt and paving the way for its own defeat.

Unlike wars that were fought against western imperialism in the 1950s,‘60s, and‘70s in places like Algeria, Kenya, Vietnam, and South Africa, the Taliban will not be taking over as liberators. Taliban rule in the past proved to be a brutal patriarchy

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The day that the Soviets officially crossed the border, [into Afghanistan] I wrote to President Carter, essentially: “We now have the opportunity of giving to the USSR its Vietnam war." -- Zbigniew Brzezinski

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The idea was already absurd and dangerous. But now the Afghanistan debacle should bury it permanently. Despite 20 years and $1 trillion in military and other aid, the U.S. supported-government collapsed within weeks.

Since World War II, U.S. soldiers have been stationed on U.S. military bases around the globe. Today, there are around 750 such bases in some eighty countries and colonies.

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'America has been lied into too many wars. It’s cost us too much in terms of money, credibility and blood. We must remember the lies. We can’t afford to let this one go down the memory hole, too.'

President Biden was right to withdraw US troops. But we should have no illusion that this will end the war for Afghans.